Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the death of Muammar Gaddafi

Ottawa, Ontario

20 October 2011

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks on the death of Muammar Gaddafi:

“The Libyan National Transitional Council has confirmed the death of Muammar Gaddafi.

“Gaddafi’s days are over.

“Never again will he be in a position to support terrorism or to turn guns on his own citizens.

“The Libyan people can finally turn the page on 42 years of vicious oppression, and continue their journey toward a better future.

“At this time, I should like to say how proud we all are of the prominent role played by Canada’s Armed Forces.

“In cooperation with our NATO and Striker Group allies, they upheld the UN mandate to defend innocent Libyans against the regime’s violence.

“I should also like to commend Lieut. General Charles Bouchard of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who led the combined NATO military mission in Libya.

“General Bouchard has served our country with great distinction.

“I have recently spoken with General Bouchard, and our Government shall be speaking with our allies to prepare for the end of our military engagement in the next few days.

“With the shadow of Gaddafi now lifted from their land, it is our hope that the Libyan people will find peace and reconciliation after this dark period in the life of their nation and we look forward to working with them.”